The University of Hull has launched a two-year collaborative project to support sustainable wetland management in Colombo. The initiative, developed in partnership with the International Water Management Institute, focuses on improving flood resilience and climate adaptation in urban wetland environments.
The research will be led by Professor Stewart Mottram and Professor Briony McDonagh, working alongside local experts from the University of Kelaniya. The study will engage communities in the Kotte area to explore how cultural knowledge, heritage, and local practices can contribute to more effective and inclusive wetland management strategies.
Funded by The British Academy, the project aims to address challenges such as rapid urban development, pollution, and climate pressures affecting Colombo’s globally significant wetlands. The outcomes are expected to support community-led planning approaches while providing insights applicable to flood-prone cities worldwide, strengthening urban environmental management practices.
